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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is RESS?
RESS is the Realistic Equine Sculpture Society, an organization created for
artists by artists! As the name affirms, RESS members specialize in
realistic equine sculpture and form a community of artists interested in
learning more about horses, sculpture and associated topics.
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2. Why was RESS created? What is the need for RESS?
RESS founders perceived that a void has been developing within the model horse industry since the late 1980s. As
the miniature horse figures created for model horse collectors, as a general trend, increased in sophistication and
precision, hobbyists became more specialized in their interests and creative efforts. Those with an entrepreneurial
bent established small businesses based upon their hobby-based skills. Meanwhile, other hobby participants began
to specialize in collecting and showing the horses created by others. Indeed, today the person who "does it all" is an
increasingly rare individual in the model horse hobby.
In spite of an expanding circuit of model horse shows, there was no framework in which artists could interact as
colleagues, rather than competitors. As a network of colleagues, RESS can facilitate camaraderie, education and
personal and business development.
The founding members also recognized that there are artists in the "fine art world" who have similar interests; in just
the past three years a growing number of artists with a traditional "fine art" background have become involved in the
model horse industry; conversely, hobby based artists have diversified their efforts to include traditional art
techniques and venues.
Thus RESS has been designed to offer a "bridge" between the two perspectives and create a mutually beneficial
environment which celebrates and promotes realistic equine sculpture, our common passions and interests.
Of growing concern to a number of model horse artists is that it can be awkward to compete directly against one's
customers in classes at model horses shows. And yet many artists enjoy and find inspiration in competition. RESS
will offer an artist-only venue for realist equine
sculpture.
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3. What sort of activities will RESS have?
RESS plans include a circuit of seminars and workshops, juried shows and exhibitions, retreats, panel discussions, a
website, mentor programs, a membership-only mailing list, yearly awards, grants and scholarships, group health
insurance, group long-distance rates, group travel packages, legal and financial resources, group supply discounts,
corporate sponsorships and a whole host of other benefits and activities as yet unimagined!
These programs and activities will be developed as RESS membership and resources grow. The enthusiasm and
participation of members will guide the organization's development into a bright future.
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4. Tell me about membership and cost.
There are two levels of RESS membership. The two basic memberships are the standard Membership at $25 annually and the Business Membership at $40 annually. The standard Membership is open to all artists who create realistic equine sculpture; the Business Membership is available only to artists who operate as a legal business.
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5. Why should I join RESS?
If you wish to become part of a community of fellow artists in an educational, constructive and inspiring
environment...RESS is for you! RESS is a progressive organization which works to foster realistic equine sculpture,
create an enduring fellowship of like-minded artists and an arena of new exhibition and achievement opportunities
that reward excellence, motivation and participation.
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6. Is RESS just for sculptors?
No, definitely not! RESS also welcomes those who "finish" sculptural pieces. In other words, artists who paint,
hair, glaze or patina sculptures who strive to create a realistic depiction of horsedom.
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7. RESS is only for the "Big Name People," a sort of elitist mutual admiration
society, right?
The answer is a resounding NO! RESS was created for artists interested in realistic equine sculpture, regardless of
experience level.
RESS is all about "community" among artists based on education, personal growth and achievement. Central to the
RESS concept is an exchange of ideas, in a nurturing environment. RESS members share an interest in learning more
about: equine structure, its applications to sculpture and finishing; sculpting and production techniques; small
business management; and the promotion of realistic equine sculpture and our shared interests. RESS will enhance
members' achievements, from the beginner to expert.
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8. What happens if I'm not an established artist?
There is no such thing as "not good enough." RESS is a supportive educational environment. A beginner will be able
to tap into a wealth of knowledge in a pro-learning supportive fellowship of artists.
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9. What does the newsletter contain?
The Boat provides a blend of articles about art techniques and small business management. In addition, each
quarterly issue contains a lists of resources for workshops, supplies and research reading.
Contact the treasurer about purchasing a subscription to this wonderful publication.
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10. Are there fun things for members to do?
Participation in your RESS community is easy and fulfilling! A member can host or attend seminars, exhibit in the
juried shows, write articles for the newsletter, become a government official, attend the social get-togethers, chat on
the RESS Membership Mailing list via e-mail and be part of an ever-growing network of friends and fellow artists!
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11. What if I don't want to go into the art world or the hobby world? Is RESS
only for gallery or professional artists or people striving to become one?
Nope! There is no requirement for any RESS member to "transfer" from hobby to traditional art venues or,
conversely, to the model horse industry. RESS encourages the many facets of equine art to interact in a mutually
beneficial community for promotion, learning, networking and, of course, fun and new friends!
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12. Is it even possible for the "art world" and "hobby world" to interact?
Yes indeed. In fact, it has already started! And with wonderful results! RESS aims to promote a "cross pollination"
between the two industries to create a larger, more cohesive community and foster a dynamic, resource-rich
"homebase" to help achieve individual objectives and aspirations.
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13. How will my work be judged and who will do it?
Sculptures entered in RESS events will be evaluated somewhat differently than if they were competing in a model
horse show. Anatomical accuracy, biomechanics, color characteristics and skill in handing the medium will still be
very important; but considerations traditional to the art world (such as the overall balance of design, the use of
positive and negative space) will also factor into the evaluation equation.
In other words, each piece will be respected as art focused on realistic renderings of the horse. Entries in RESS
shows will be considered "technical expressionism"; artistic expression through the medium of realistic equine
sculpture. Submissions to RESS events will be evaluated by a panel of jurors according to specific criteria.
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14. Will RESS impose its ideas and standards on the entire model horse
hobby?
That’s a big definite No. But do we hope to inspire? Yes.
RESS is guided by its Mission Statement:
To encourage excellence in realistic equine sculpture and associated artistry, promote an interactive education-oriented
professional community and broaden artistic development through exhibition, events, education,
demonstration and critique.
And as part of RESS bylaws, members are expected to uphold the RESS Codes of Conduct:
1. Strive to create a productive and supportive environment for RESS members.
2. Strive to add to the RESS arena of knowledge through active promotion of RESS related education and
sharing of information.
3. Act in protection of artist rights within all parameters of industry, hobbies or markets.
4. Seek self-improvement and growth in all applications of one's artistry.
5. Conduct oneself in a dignified and professional manner in all manners with the public
6. Conduct business and all transactions in good faith and in a responsible fashion.
Clearly these standards show consideration for one's colleagues and customers since these ideals were developed to
foster a productive and supportive environment for all RESS members. RESS fills the ‘niche’ for the realistic equine
sculpture artist developing today and although RESS does require a level of conduct from it’s members, it does not
seek to enforce these ideals standards onto other venues.
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15. Can anyone exhibit in RESS events?
RESS events provide artists an opportunity to exhibit their own work in an innovative and challenging venue
tailored specifically for them. RESS plans to sponsor a variety of exhibitions. RESS member-only events will be
open to RESS Associate, Professional and Signature members only. RESS sponsored open exhibitions will welcome
entries from non-members as well, to include Subscription level individuals.
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16. Aren't there already organizations like RESS?
To our knowledge, several general interest equine art organizations do exist. However, RESS, with its specific focus
on realistic equine sculpture and a uniquely structured membership program, is unique.
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17. How will my reputation or business be impacted by RESS?
RESS is by no means a "union" with required membership and certainly isn’t ‘enforced’ on anyone. Membership is
a personal choice to become part of a larger community. As part of a network of colleagues, many of whom are
professionals in their field, a RESS member has access to an expanded resource of experience and business savvy,
specifically pertaining to realistic equine sculpture. How RESS will impact one’s reputation or business is solely
within the power of the individual; one may take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities RESS has to offer or
opt out.
RESS is simply another venue for artists focused on realistic equine sculpture to develop their skills, interests and
ambitions.
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18. How did RESS start?
The seed was planted about ten years ago when Jackie Hamilton proposed an art guild for the model horse industry.
Then, over coffee in 1997, Lynn Fraley and Sarah Minkiewicz-Breunig surmised the time was right for an
organization of a similar nature. They modified the original idea into a new concept and fleshed out some foundation
bylaws for the new organization.
At Breyerfest 1998, they held an informal open meeting outside The Artisan's Showcase, gathering information and
comments from colleagues to gauge the feasibility and demand for such an organization. To their delight, the
response was positive and so in early 1999, they formed a Steering Committee to officially create the RESS bylaws
and policies.
And in June 1999, RESS became a reality! Then in late 2001 RESS became incorporated in the state of Idaho and
then earned tax-exemption status under Section 501(c)(6) in early 2002.
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19. Who was on the Steering Committee?
The Steering Committee was comprised of Sandi Bendel-Gaertner (Texas), Darian Buckles (California), Lynn Fraley
(Idaho), Karen Gerhardt (Colorado), Mariah Hjerppe (Sweden), Laurie Jo Jensen (California), Sonya Johnson
(Arizona), Lesli Kathman (North Carolina), Jennifer Kistler (Oregon) DeeAnn Kjelshus, (Illinois), Candace Liddy
(Minnesota), Elaine Lindelef (California) and Sarah Minkiewicz-Breunig (Idaho).
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20. Who comprise the Board of Directors and who are the Officers?
Click here for a complete list
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21. How will RESS develop in the future? Will it be like NAMHSA or AAEA?
Since RESS was developed as a blend of the model horse world and the equine art world, RESS is not intended to
become strictly like NAMHSA, AAEA or any other existing organization. Rather, it seeks to develop into a unique
blend of all perspectives, united by the common interest of realistic equine sculpture. And with the guidance of the
RESS membership, the Society will progress in the direction most beneficial to its members.
Currently, RESS is developing a critiquing program, expanding its media exposure, working towards sponsorships
of RESS events and retreats, intensifying benefits for members, creating more grants and scholarships and initiating
more programs and activities centered around the Mission Statement.
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22. How can I join or receive more information about RESS?
For membership questions, contact the Membership Administrator, or for general questions, contact RESS.
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23. How can I subscribe and/or contribute to The Boat?
For memberships (which include Boat subscriptions), contact the Treasurer, or to contribute to the newsletter, contact the Publications Officer.
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